A reflection of delights in the Kent Downs
Try your hand at glass art during a relaxing course with Matt at Creative Retreats in Chilham then take a personal pilgrimage to St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church in Brabourne following the beautiful North Downs Way to see the most complete 12th century stained glass window in Britain.
- 2 days
- Ashford
Itinerary details
Here's a taste of your next experience.
A reflection of delights in the Kent Downs
Try your hand at glass art during a relaxing course with Matt at Creative Retreats in Chilham then take a personal pilgrimage to St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church in Brabourne following the beautiful North Downs Way to see the most complete 12th century stained glass window in Britain.
Creative Retreats & Holidays
Arrive in Chilham by train/bus and walk to Matt’s studio where you can spend a relaxing creative day or short break, learning how to create stain glass, glass fusing or glass applique with Creative Retreats & Holidays.
Creative Retreats & HolidaysNorth Downs Way, Chilham – Brabourne
Following your glass art retreat why not enjoy a full day’s walk or cycle of 13 miles along The North Downs Way from Chilham to Brabourne.
Either take a picnic from Chilham Farm Shop or your accommodation provider or stop off at one of the lovely country pubs along the route such as The Flying Horse (££) at Boughton Lees or The Tickled Trout (££) situated on the banks of the River Stour in Wye.
Head south along the well signposted North Downs Way towards Boughton Aluph, on through Wye enjoying stunning views across Kent and finally ending at Brabourne where you can visit St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church in Brabourne. A must for stained glass fans. Here you’ll not only find captivating architecture and magnificent memorials, you’ll find the only complete stained glass window in Britain complete with Norman glass in its original 12th Century setting. The church opens daily from dawn to dusk
Chilham Farm ShopThe Flying HorseThe Tickled TroutSt Mary the Blessed Virgin ChurchPlan your walking/cycling routeFive Bells Inn – Dinner
Five Bells Inn (££) – a modern pub serving a great selection of local food and drink
Five Bells InnOvernight Stay in Chilham or Brabourne
The Old Alma B&B (£) In Chilham
The Woolpack Inn (££) In Chilham
Five Bells Inn (££) In Brabourne. Stay in one of the four stunning rooms named after Kentish hops and grapes each with their own unique character.
The Old Alma B&BThe Woolpack InnFive Bells InnRebel Farmer Experience
Book an inspirational journey with the Rebel Farmer Experience in Brook. During your 3 hour visit enjoy a hands-on farming experience, learning to grow organic fruit and veg all year round. Take a tour around a micro farm and get to taste locally grown produce in Kent during a tasty lunch!
Rebel Farmer ExperienceTravel
Train station at Wye/Chilham/Ashford with a regular train service to London
Bus – The 652 bus service from Canterbury to Ashford provides bus transport along the A28
The 666 bus service from Faversham to Ashford
The 10X bus service runs along the A20 – Ashford – Maidstone
Cycle Hire – Cycles need to be booked in advance – good quality cycles available from £21.95 per day. Can be collected from Ashford or delivered.
Car Parking available at all suggested places.